Traveler with means for limiting friction and tilting

ABSTRACT

Travelers for use on a vertical or horizontal type spinning or twisting ring having integral rearward extensions that utilize the air velocity acting thereagainst to minimize the frictional engagement of the traveler with ring and to reduce the angle of tilt of the traveler during operation so that the upper part of the traveler does not come into contact with the top of the ring.

United States Patent Wayson [451 May 23,1972

[54] TRAVELER WITH NIEANS FOR LIMITING FRICTION AND TILTING [72] Inventor: Andrew J. Wayson, Needharn, Mass.

[73] Assignee: Merriman, Inc., Hingham, Mass.

[22] Filed: Jan. 14, 1970 [21] Appl.No.: 2,913

[52] US. Cl ..57/125, 57/119 [51] Int. Cl ..D01h 7/52, D01h 7/60 [58] Field ofSearch ..57/119-125 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 904,750 2/1954 Germany ..57/125 Konig ..57/125 X Wayson ..57/125 X 13,872 1890 Great Britain 1 ..57/125 766,697 1] 1957 Great Britain ..57/125 296,963 3/1932 Italy ..57/125 Primary ExaminerJohn Petrakes Attorney-Robert S Smith, David S. Urey, Alfred B. Levine and Alan C. Rose [57] ABSTRACT Travelers for use on a vertical or horizontal type spinning or twisting ring having integral rearward extensions that utilize the air velocity acting thereagainst to minimize the frictional engagement of the traveler with ring and to reduce the angle of tilt of the traveler during operation so that the upper part of the traveler does not come into contact with the top of the rmg.

21 Clains, 36 Drawing Figures PATENTEDMAY23 m2 366% 13 SHEET 1 BF 3 TRAVELER WITH MEANS FOR LIMITING FRICTION AND TILTING BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A study of the behavior of travelers when in operation on vertical or horizontal type spinning or twisting rings shows that the traveler tilts in the direction of its movement about the ring. The degree of tilting is a factor of the weight of the traveler, the speed of rotation, the diameter of the ring, the tension being exerted on the traveler by the yarn, and the coefficient of friction between the traveler and that part of the ring engaged thereby. Under ordinary operating conditions, the vertical type traveler engages the ring along the bottom edge and the inner face of the ring. The horizontal type traveler engages the under side of the inner flange and the inner wall of the ring supporting web.

Under some conditions of operation, however, the traveler will tilt to such an extent that the upper part of the traveler will come into contact with the upper part of the ring. This results in very rapid wear of the upper portion of the traveler, particularly if it is made of steel. Not only does the traveler wear more rapidly, but the friction of the traveler against the ring is increased thereby placing further undesirable drag on the traveler as it moves about the ring.

Various expedients have been adopted in the construction of travelers to facilitate movement about the ring to minimize wear. Today's travelers are often made with the bottom portion of synthetic material which, having a lower coefficient of friction with respect to the steel ring, travels readily thereabout and wears less rapidly than a steel traveler. However, the upper portion of most travelers is still preferably made of steel because steel is less subject to wear from the friction of the yarn passing thereunder than synthetic material.

lt is also understood that the spacing of the hook ends and the vertical interior dimension of the vertical type traveler are limited, the limitations being dictated by the vertical dimension of the ring. In the case of horizontal type travelers, the spacing of the hook ends is limited by the width of the ring. Thus, in both cases there is a certain determinable maximum degree of tilt possible before the top of the traveler touches the top of the ring, it being understood, of course, that the bottom hook of the vertical type traveler, or the inner hook of the horizontal type traveler, is constantly in engagement with the bottom edge or underside of the ring. The maximum interior vertical dimension of the traveler arbitrarily puts a limitation on operating conditions if the top of the ring is not to be engaged by the interior of the top of the traveler. Operating conditions can, however, be increased by the use of travelers made according to the present invention in which by means of a bottom extension an artificial interior vertical dimension of greater length is provided without changing the weight of the traveler or its other conventional dimensions which bear their usual relation to the dimensions of the ring.

According to the present invention, the lower or interior hook portion of the traveler incorporates as an integral part thereof a rearward extension which extends along the under edge of the vertical ring or the under side of the inner flange of a horizontal ring for an appreciable distance in a direction opposite to that in which the traveler rotates on the ring. The weight of the improved traveler including the extension ap-' proximates that of a conventional traveler of the same size for use on the same ring. The mechanics of the structure, however, are such that the force of the yarn pulling the traveler along the ring counterbalanced by the weight of the traveler and the friction of the traveler against the underside of the ring will not create as much tilt in the body of the traveler and hence the upper part of the traveler will remain clear of the upper surface of the ring.

Tests conducted to determine an effective length of the extension have shown that the angle between the normal vertical plane or axis of the body of the traveler and the line from the top of the traveler to the limited area on the extension which engages the underside of the ring should be not less than about 10 and preferably in the order of 20.'lncreasing the length of the extension to increase the angle much beyond 20 is generally unnecessary, although, of course, the greater the length of the extension, the less will be the degree of tilting of the body of the traveler for the same operating conditions.

It has been found in practice that the length of the extension should be such that the angle formed by the end of the extension with the top of the traveler and the generally vertical axis of the traveler body will be approximately equal to the maximum degree of tilt of a conventional traveler of the same weight and size on the same ring. In other words, if the maximum possible angle of tilt of an ordinary traveler is 20, then excellent results will be obtained if the length of the extension is such that the upper included angle with the vertical axis of the traveler is 20. Longer extensions, of course, will result in the body of the traveler remaining even more upright during use and thereby maintaining a somewhat larger clearance between the top of the traveler and the top of the ring.

It will also be understood that the end of the extension which contacts the underside of the ring should be preferably in substantially the same plane transverse of the vertical axis as the upper interior surface of the lower hook of the traveler. If the extension were higher, it would preclude application of the traveler to the ring; if the extension were lower, the traveler would have to tilt to a certain degree before the extension engaged the undersurface of the ring rendering the traveler less effective to provide yarn clearance. In other words, the point or line of contact of the extension with the ring should preferably be on a line at right angles to the vertical axis of the traveler and aligned with the upper surface of the lower or inner hook portion of the traveler.

The invention also includes a novel design of the extension which gives the traveler aero-dynamic characteristics urging it downwardly away from the ring in opposition to the upward pull of the yarn. The travelers in todays spinning frames are commonly running at linear speeds well in excess of 60 miles per hour. Thus, since the traveler of the present invention is always tilted more or less during normal operation, a high speed wedge of air is being continuously driven into the tapered wedgelike spacebetween the upper surface of the extension and the bottom surface of the ring. An appreciable downward force is, in this way, applied to the traveler which lessens the pressure of the extension against the bottom surface of the ring. Furthermore, the reduced pressure causes a reduction in the normal operating temperature of the ring. On occasion, as determined by spindle speed and angle of traveler tilt, the air may cause actual separation of the extension from its normal engagement with the ring. Thus, wear of the extension occurs at a much slower rate than the wear at the bottom or inner hook of a conventional'traveler resulting in longer traveler life. The inclusion of the extension as part of the traveler has the further advantage of eliminating the possibility of the traveler unhooking itself from the ring which often happens with conventional vertical type travelers when the lower hook portion has been worn away by the ring beyond a certain depth,.

The extension of the present invention running away from the rear of the traveler makes each traveler a unidirectional unit, and the weight of the extension places the center of gravity of the traveler slightly to the rear of the vertical center line.

The low friction of the extension against the ring induced by air flow therebetween and the unbalanced weight distribution results in maintaining the traveler in a less tilted position during normal operation, thereby to provide a top clearance for the yarn which clearance under the same operating conditions would be impossible of attainment with a conventional traveler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 illustrates the extent to which a selected conventional traveler can tilt on a ring.

FIG. 1a shows the increased tilting capacity of a traveler of the same size as that of FIG. 1 provided by a short extension.

FIG. lb shows the greater tilting capacity of a traveler of the same size as FIG. 1 provided by a longer extension.

FIG. 1c shows the still greater tilting capacity of a traveler of the same size as FIG. 1 provided by a still longer extension.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 except that the vertical interior dimension of the selected conventional traveler is greater thereby to permit greater tilting.

FIG. 2a shows the greater tilting ability achieved by the use of an extension comparable in length to that of FIG. 10.

FIG. 2b shows how the tilting ability can be further increased by increasing the extension length.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate one specie of vertical type traveler in side elevation, front elevation and plan, respectively.

FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate a second specie.

FIGS. 9, 10 and 1 1 illustrate another specie.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 illustrate another specie.

FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 illustrate another specie.

FIGS. 18 illustrates how the weight of the traveler may be increased without changing the traveler dimension.

FIG. 19 shows the upper steel hook end partially covered with synthetic material.

FIG. 20 taken on the line 202O of FIG. 22 illustrates the manner in which the air stream urges the traveler downward away from the ring.

FIG. 21 shows a traveler such as shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 in operation on a ring.

FIG. 22 is a view taken on line 22-22 ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 23 shows in elevation a horizontal type traveler wholly ofsynthetic material on a horizontal ring.

FIG. 24 is a view looking from the right of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a view looking from the left of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is another specie of horizontal type traveler shown in elevation on a horizontal ring.

FIG. 27 is a view looking from the right of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a view looking from the left of FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged perspective view of the traveler shown in FIGS. 26, 27 and 28.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a modified shape of extension and means of attaching the traveler wire.

FIG. 31 shows another form of traveler with the extension engaging the underside of the inner flange and an upwardly extending portion adjacent the front end of the extension which engages the inner edge of the flange.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In FIG. 1, R represents the vertical or horizontal type ring with a vertical dimension A, D conventional traveler, B the interior vertical dimension of the traveler, and D the maximum tilt position at which both the top and bottom hooks of the traveler D engage the top and bottom edges of the ring R. In this selected case, the angle is approximately 20.

If, as in FIG. la, a short extension E is added to traveler D (of the same vertical dimension as traveler D in FIG. 1) so that the included angle between the vertical axis of the traveler D and the line running from the top hook T to the end N of the extension E is 10, then the traveler D can tilt as illustrated by the dotted line D to a maximum angle of about 22 before the top T of the traveler D touches the top of the ring at point T. If the traveler D in FIG. 1a had tilted 20 to the position T", the same as the maximum tilt of traveler D in FIG. 1, the clearance between the top of the traveler and the top of the ring would be so slight as to indicate that an included angle of 10, while effective in principle, would not be sufficient to give satisfactory extra clearance.

Referring now to FIG. lb in which the extension E forms an angle of 20 with the vertical axis of the traveler D (of the same vertical dimension as traveler D in FIG. 1), then the maximum angle of tilt may go as far as about 28 before the top of the traveler D touches the ring at T as at the dotted line position. Thus, in this construction, good clearance is maintained between the top of the traveler T and the top of the ring up to 20 of tilt and for an appreciable angle therebeyond.

Another example is shown in FIG. 1c in which the extension E of traveler D is long enough to give an upper included angle of 25. Under the same loading conditions, the body of the traveler D will tilt a lesser degree and give clearance that is only slightly less than C. If increased loading or frictional characteristics are applied to cause tilting beyond an efiective angle of 25, then the traveler D can tilt to an effective angle as much as about 33 before engaging the top ofthe ring at T In FIG. 2, there is shown a traveler D having a greater interior vertical dimension B permitting a maximum angle of tilt of about 25. If the extension E shown in FIG. 2a is long enough to provide the same upper angle of 25, then this traveler D may tilt to an effective angle of 36 before the top T engages the ring at T. If the extension is still further lengthened as shown in FIG. 211 at E" to provide an upper included angle of 30, then the traveler D can tilt through a total efiective angle of 38 before the top meets the ring at T With the principles of the invention now understood, reference will be made to a number of species which have been found to work well in practice. FIGS. 3 to 22 are illustrative of travelers for use on vertical type rings. FIGS. 23 to 30 are illustrative of travelers for use on horizontal type rings.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 illustrate one form of traveler 2 in which the lower body part 4 of the traveler including the extension 6 is made of synthetic material which has good wearing qualities and a low coefficient of friction with respect to the spinning ring. The body 4 has a vertical groove 8 about its outer periphery in which is laid the steel wire element 10 about which the yarn passes and which wears better than synthetic material. It will be noted that the extension 6 as viewed in FIG. 4 is at right angles to the vertical axis of the traveler and the included angle between a line running from the end 12 of extension 6 to the top of traveler at 14, and the vertical axis is in the order of 20. However, as previously pointed out, the exact length of the extension 6 is not critical, it being appreciated that the shorter the extension the less clearance, the longer the extension the greater the clearance for the same effective angle of tilt. The wire 10 residing in the groove 8 and hooked around the bottom may be additionally secured therein through the use ofan attaching cement 16 or equivalent.

The specie shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 is a preferred form. It is much like that of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 except that the wire 10 runs down through the center of the body 4 rather than along the outer wall. This construction is best made by molding the wire within the body. The wire may be coextensive with the body or if desired shortened so long as it is securely attached. The various parts are numbered to correspond with the numbering in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5.

The specie shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 11 includes a larger body portion 18, and the extension 20 instead of being an independent arm is an integral part of the body 18. The body portion 18 has a pair of spaced guideways or grooves 22 and 24 running along the outer side. These grooves are defined by walls 26, 28, 30 and 32. The wire 10 is shown as positioned between the two walls 26 and 28. A traveler so constructed would run clockwise on the spinning ring. If, on the other hand, it was intended that the traveler should run counterclockwise, then the wire 10 would be positioned between the walls 30 and 32 so that the extension 20 would be to the right rather than to the left.

From the preceding sentence, relative to the direction of travel of the traveler of FIGS. 9, l0 and 11, it will be appreciated that the species shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8 represent travelers that must run in a clockwise direction. If they are run in a counterclockwise direction, then the extension 4 must be reversed to extend to the right.

The specie shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 is illustrative of a traveler 34 made entirely of synthetic material. This construction which includes an extension 36 works satisfactorily with certain types of yarns. The principle of operation, however, remains unchanged as the extension 36 gives a greater effective angle of tilt.

The specie shown in FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 issubstantially the same as that shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 with the exception that the extension 38 has its upper surface 40 slightly convex. The purpose of this convexity is to cause automatic lengthening of the extension 38 as the angle of tilt of the traveler may increase under greater loading. The curved surface 40 thus has the effect of tending to slow the rate of increase in an angle of tilt as the load on the traveler may increase.

FIG. 19 shows a traveler 2 with the upper part of wire that is not engaged by the yarn partially encased in synthetic material 42 which would engage the upper edge of the ring should the traveler tilt that far thus to prevent wearing away of the wire.

In the constructions shown in FIGS. 3 to 14, the extensions 6, 20 or 36 will be the part that is in contact with the ring. That part of the extension between the body of the traveler and the engaging end of the extension will not touch the ring but as previously pointed out its intermediate configuration is of importance. It should be preferably at least as wide as the ring is thick and considerably longer than its width so that the high velocity air stream impinging thereon and compressed between the extension and the bottom of the ring will produce a substantial downward force urging the traveler away from the ring, thereby to reduce the friction between the ring and the extension. This condition with the traveler tilted as in normal operation is illustrated in enlarged detail in FIG. 20.

It will also be understood from the examination of FIGS. 3, 6, 12 and that the extension 6 is preferably dished slightly in a transverse direction so as to ride with more certainty on the bottom edge of the ring and to trap the air stream more efficiently. The most efficient configuration of the extension has not as yet been determined with certainty, but it is believed it will be within the scope of the above description and as set forth in the appended claims.

It will be appreciated that the rearwardly extending extensions shown in the various species, while relatively light in weight, do have the effect of shifting the center of gravity of the traveler slightly to the rear of the center line of the upper and lower hooks. Thus the traveler, because of the extension, is unsymmetrical in shape and weight distribution. Sometimes it may be necessary to increase the weight of the traveler without changing its dimensions. This can be readily accomplished as shown in FIG. 18 in which the material of the body has been increased as at 44 to extend down to the inside edge of the extension 6. The amount of body added may be varied as desired.

FIGS. 21 and 22, to smaller scale than FIG. 20, are illustrative of any traveler 2 made according to the present invention in operating position on ring R with the end of extension 6 engaging the bottom edge of the ring. FIG. 21 shows the traveler in vertical elevation and FIG. 22 is a section taken on the line 2222 of FIG. 21.

FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 illustrate the invention incorporated in a horizontal type traveler made entirely of synthetic material. The traveler 50 has an outer hook end 52 and an inner hook end 54. The spacing is such that the traveler can be positioned on ring 56 in conventional manner. An extension 58 extends to the rear of traveler 50 and at approximately right angles to the vertical axis of the traveler. In operation, the traveler will tilt more or less as shown in FIG. 23 and in a manner similar to the tilting of a vertical type traveler as shown in FIG. 21.

The extension 58 as viewed in FIGS. 24 and 25 has a width substantially equal to the width of the underside 60 of the inner flange 62 of ring 56. The length of extension 58 is norrnally greater than its width and thus presents an upper surface 64 of appreciable area. When the traveler is up to speed, the air entering the wedge shaped space between the under surface 60 of the ring and the surface 64 of the extension urges the traveler end 54 downward, sometimes to the extent of separation from surface 60, to decrease the friction between traveler and ring. The end of hook 54, due to centrifugal force, rides continuously on the inner wall 66 of ring supporting web 68 regardless of the conditions existing between the end of extension 58 and under surface 60.

FIGS. 26, 27 and 28 are similar to FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 except that another specie of horizontal type traveler is shown and the under surface of the ring flange and wall of the supporting web are modified.

The traveler 70 is made of wire with hook ends 72 and 74. The inner hook 74 is rigidly attached to an extension 76 similar to extension 58 of traveler 50 (see FIG. 23). The underside 78 of inner flange 80 or rings 82 slopes upwardly somewhat and the inner wall 84 of web 86 slopes upwardly and outwardly. Accordingly, the upper surface and end of extension 76 may be shaped to accommodate themselves to the undersurface 78 of flange 80. The inner side of the extension will ride on wall 84 during normal operation.

The width of extension 76 will approximate the width of undersurface 78. The extension as in the other species is preferably longer than the width and hence presents an appreciable sloping surface to the apparent wind when the traveler is up to speed. The wedge shaped opening between the upper surface 88 of extension 76 and undersurface 78 results in the development of an appreciable downward force acting on the traveler end 74 to diminish the friction between the traveler and ring in the same manner as previously explained with respect to the other disclosed species.

It will be appreciated that the end 74 of the wire traveler 70 must be non-rotatably affixed-to extension 76. This may be done by cementing the parts together or molding the synthetic extension 76 directly on a roughened end 74. This construction is shown in perspective in FIG. 29.

FIG. 30 illustrates another method of connecting traveler 70 to the extension 76. Here the end 74 is turned upwardly to be positioned in a suitable hole in the underside of extension 76, and the adjacent portion 90 of the traveler is close to or against the side of the extension. This construction effectively prevents any movement of traveler with respect to the extension.

In an attempt to increase the effectiveness of the wedge shaped opening between extension 76 and the undersurface 78, the surface 88 has been provided with a tapered depres sion 92, as shown in FIG. 30.

A modified form of traveler is shown in FIG. 31, which is a view generally similar to FIGS. 25 and 28. The traveler 94 comprises a wire of conventional shape positioned on a horizontal type ring 96 having outer and inner flanges 98 and 100. Mounted on the inner hook end of traveler 94 is a synthetic L shaped element 102. This element has a vertical portion 104, the inner wall of which rides on the innerwall 106 of flange 100. The element 102 extends in L shape beneath flange 100 as at 108. The wire 94 is attached to element 102 by being secured in a groove which extends vertically downward along the outer side of portion 104 and then horizontally along the underside of portion 108.

Extending from portion 108 toward the viewer of FIG. 31 is an extension 112 which engages the underside 114 of flange 100 at 116. Extension 112 is substantially the same as extension 58 in FIG. 23 and 76 in FIGS. 26 and 29. When traveler 94 is in normal operation, it will tilt forwardly to present a wedge shaped opening between the underside 114 of flange 100 and the upper side of extension 112 in a manner similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 26.

In FIG. 31, it will be noted that the outward centrifugal force of the traveler is absorbed by engagement of element 102 with the inner wall 106 of flange 100. This distinguishes from FIGS. 25 and 28 in which the traveler engages the inner wall of the ring supporting webs 68 or 86, respectively. These differences, however, do not affect the operation of the extension.

In all of the species shown and illustrated of travelers for vertical and horizontal type rings, each includes a rearward extension which reduces tilting of the traveler during operation, thereby to provide more clearance for the thread than would be the case without the extension. The extension is designed with respect to the undersurface of the ring against which it bears during operation to provide an upper sloping surface of appreciable area. This sloping surface cooperates with the ring undersurface to form a wedge shaped opening into which the high velocity apparent wind enters to create a downward force acting on the traveler thereby to reduce the friction between the traveler and ring.

When in the claims it is said that the extension is approximately" as wide as the undersurface of the ring which it engages, the word approximately is to be given reasonable latitude. In the case of the vertical ring travelers, the extension may be a trifle wider than the ring is thick, but of course could be the same or less. In the case of the horizontal ring travelers, the width of the extension might be the same or greater then the width of the underside of the inner flange of the ring as shown in FIGS. 23 to 28, or less as shown in FIG. 31.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that applicant is not attempting to define or limit the exact width of the flange in relation to the width of the underside of the ring against which it bears. The requirement of the invention is that the width of the extension be such in relation to the ring surface on which it bears that during normal operation a wedge shaped opening is presented with upper and lower surface areas ofsufficient size to enable the apparent wind to create an appreciable downward force on the traveler. This condition is met by all the illustrated species.

Modification and further applications of the invention will now be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit ofthe invention.

ICLAIM:

1. In a traveler of the type having end portions and of a selected weight, means for diminishing frictional engagement with a spinning or twisting ring and for preventing the interior of the top part of the traveler from engaging the top surface of said spinning ring under a yarn tension and traveler RPM that would normally cause such engagement of a conventional traveler of said selected weight, said means comprising a fixed extension at one end of said traveler, said extension extending in the direction that is away from the direction of traveler movement on the ring, said extension being approximately as wide as the undersurface of the ring which it engages and of greater length than its width and having contact with the said undersurface of said ring during normal operation substantially at the extremity of said extension most displaced from the vertical axis of the traveler, the apparent air flow against said extension during normal operation urging said traveler downwardly to reduce friction between said ring and extension and limiting the angle of tilt of the said traveler.

2. In a traveler of the type having top and bottom hook portions and ofa selected weight, means for diminishing frictional engagement with a vertical type spinning or twisting ring and for preventing the interior of the top part of the traveler from engaging the top surface of said vertical type spinning ring under a yarn tension and traveler RPM that would normally cause such engagement of a conventional traveler of said selected weight, said means comprising a fixed extension at the bottom of said traveler, said extension extending in the direction that is away from the direction of traveler movement on the ring, said extension being approximately as wide as the spinning ring and of greater length than its width and having contact with the bottom of said ring during normal operation substantially at the extremity of said extension most displaced from the long axis of the traveler, the apparent air flow against said extension during normal operation urging said traveler downwardly to reduce friction between said ring and extension and limiting the angle of tilt of the said traveler.

3 In a traveler of the type having inner and outer hook portions and of a selected weight, means for diminishing frictional engagement with a horizontal type spinning or twisting ring and for preventing the interior of the top part of the traveler from engaging the top surface of said horizontal type spinning ring under a yarn tension and traveler RPM that would normally cause such engagement of a conventional traveler of said selected weight, said means comprising a fixed extension at the inner hook portion of said traveler, said extension extending in the direction that is away from the direction of traveler movement on the ring, said extension being approximately as wide as the undersurface of the inner flange of said ring and of greater length than its width and having contact with the said undersurface of said ring during normal operation substantially at the extremity of said extension most displaced from the horizontal axis of the traveler, the apparent air flow against said extension during normal operation urging said traveler downwardly to reduce friction between said ring and extension and limiting the angle of tilt of the said traveler.

4. The construction set forth in claim I, said traveler having its center of gravity at a position between said extremity of said extension and the vertical axis of the traveler.

5. The construction as set forth in claim I, the angle between the vertical axis of the traveler and the line from the top of the traveler to the end of the extension being not less than 10.

6. The construction set forth in claim I, said extension having a convex upper surface in longitudinal direction whereby its contact with the bottom of the ring moves toward said extremity as the angle of tilt ofthe traveler increases.

7. The construction set forth in claim 1, said traveler having a steel upper portion to be engaged by the yarn, said extension being made of synthetic material having a lower coefficient of friction than steel with respect to the ring on which it is used.

8. The construction set forth in claim 7, said steel upper portion being partly covered by a synthetic material to minimize the friction of any engagement of the upper part of the traveler with the top of said ring.

9. The construction set forth in claim 7, the said steel upper portion being partially covered by synthetic material.

10. The construction set forth in claim 1, said fixed extension and traveler being integral and made of synthetic material, said traveler including a body portion which is of substantially the same width as the length of said extension and has a vertical dimension less than the height of the ring.

11 The construction set forth in claim 2, the upper portion of the traveler being of steel and the bottom hook portion including the said extension comprised of synthetic material.

12. The construction set forth in claim 11, the said steel upper portion being partially covered with synthetic material.

13. The construction set forth in claim 1, the entire traveler being of synthetic material.

14. The construction set forth in claim 2, the said upper portion of the traveler being of steel wire, the said body portion having spaced guideways for receiving selectively a downward extension of the said steel upper hook portion.

15. The construction as set forth in claim 1, said extension having its upper surface concave in transverse section.

16. The construction as set forth in claim 1, said traveler comprising an upper hook portion of steel and a lower larger body and hook portion of synthetic material, said extension being of synthetic material and integral with said body portion, that part of said extension that is adapted to engage the spinning ring being in approximately the same horizontal plane as the interior upper surface of the bottom hook portion of the traveler when the traveler is in a vertical position.

17. The construction set forth in claim I, said extension having a longitudinal depression therein.

18. The construction set forth in claim 1, the upper surface of said extension being at substantially right angles to the vertical axis of the traveler.

19. The construction set forth in claim 3, said extension having a portion integral therewith that extends upwardly from the forward side of said extension to engage the interior wall of the inner flange of said horizontal ring.

20. The construction set forth in claim 19, the entire exterior of said traveler being of synthetic material.

21. The construction set forth in claim 3, the upper portion of the traveler being of steel and the hook portion including 

1. In a traveler of the type having end portions and of a selected weight, means for diminishing frictional engagement with a spinning or twisting ring and for preventing the interior of the top part of the traveler from engaging the top surface of said spinning ring under a yarn tension and traveler RPM that would normally cause such engagement of a conventional traveler of said selected weight, said means comprising a fixed extension at one end of said traveler, said extension extending in the direction that is away from the direction of traveler movement on the ring, said extension being approximately as wide as the undersurface of the ring which it engages and of greater length than its width and having contact with the said undersurface of said ring during normal operation substantially at the extremity of said extension most displaced from the vertical axis of the traveler, the apparent air flow against said extension during normal operation urging said traveler downwardly to reduce friction between said ring and extension and limiting the angle of tilt of the said traveler.
 2. In a traveler of the type having top and bottom hook portions and of a selected weight, means for diminishing frictional engagement with a vertical type spinning or twisting ring and for preventing the interior of the top part of the traveler from engaging the top surface of said vertical type spinning ring under a yarn tension and traveler RPM that would normally cause such engagement of a conventional traveler of said selected weight, said means comprising a fixed extension at the bottom of said traveler, said extension extending in the direction that is away from the direction of traveler movement on the ring, said extension being approximately as wide as the spinning ring and of greater length than its width and having contact with the bottom of said ring during normal operation substantially at the extremity of said extension most displaced from the long axis of the traveler, the apparent air flow against said extension during normal operation urging said traveler downwardly to reduce friction between said ring and extension and limiting the angle of tilt of the said traveler.
 3. In a traveler of the type having inner and outer hook portions and of a selected weight, means for diminishing frictional engagement with a horizontal type spinning or twisting ring and for preventing the interior of the top part of the traveler from engaging the top surface of said horizontal type spinning ring under a yarn tension and traveler RPM that would normally cause such engagement of a conventional traveler of said selected weight, said means comprising a fixed extension at the inner hook portion of said traveler, said extension extending in the direction that is away from the direction of traveler movement on the ring, said extension being approximately as wide as the undersurface of the inner flange of said ring and of greater length than its width and having contact with the said undersurface of said ring during normal operation substantially at the extremity of said exteNsion most displaced from the horizontal axis of the traveler, the apparent air flow against said extension during normal operation urging said traveler downwardly to reduce friction between said ring and extension and limiting the angle of tilt of the said traveler.
 4. The construction set forth in claim 1, said traveler having its center of gravity at a position between said extremity of said extension and the vertical axis of the traveler.
 5. The construction as set forth in claim 1, the angle between the vertical axis of the traveler and the line from the top of the traveler to the end of the extension being not less than 10*.
 6. The construction set forth in claim 1, said extension having a convex upper surface in longitudinal direction whereby its contact with the bottom of the ring moves toward said extremity as the angle of tilt of the traveler increases.
 7. The construction set forth in claim 1, said traveler having a steel upper portion to be engaged by the yarn, said extension being made of synthetic material having a lower coefficient of friction than steel with respect to the ring on which it is used.
 8. The construction set forth in claim 7, said steel upper portion being partly covered by a synthetic material to minimize the friction of any engagement of the upper part of the traveler with the top of said ring.
 9. The construction set forth in claim 7, the said steel upper portion being partially covered by synthetic material.
 10. The construction set forth in claim 1, said fixed extension and traveler being integral and made of synthetic material, said traveler including a body portion which is of substantially the same width as the length of said extension and has a vertical dimension less than the height of the ring.
 11. The construction set forth in claim 2, the upper portion of the traveler being of steel and the bottom hook portion including the said extension comprised of synthetic material.
 12. The construction set forth in claim 11, the said steel upper portion being partially covered with synthetic material.
 13. The construction set forth in claim 1, the entire traveler being of synthetic material.
 14. The construction set forth in claim 2, the said upper portion of the traveler being of steel wire, the said body portion having spaced guideways for receiving selectively a downward extension of the said steel upper hook portion.
 15. The construction as set forth in claim 1, said extension having its upper surface concave in transverse section.
 16. The construction as set forth in claim 1, said traveler comprising an upper hook portion of steel and a lower larger body and hook portion of synthetic material, said extension being of synthetic material and integral with said body portion, that part of said extension that is adapted to engage the spinning ring being in approximately the same horizontal plane as the interior upper surface of the bottom hook portion of the traveler when the traveler is in a vertical position.
 17. The construction set forth in claim 1, said extension having a longitudinal depression therein.
 18. The construction set forth in claim 1, the upper surface of said extension being at substantially right angles to the vertical axis of the traveler.
 19. The construction set forth in claim 3, said extension having a portion integral therewith that extends upwardly from the forward side of said extension to engage the interior wall of the inner flange of said horizontal ring.
 20. The construction set forth in claim 19, the entire exterior of said traveler being of synthetic material.
 21. The construction set forth in claim 3, the upper portion of the traveler being of steel and the hook portion including the said extension comprised of synthetic material, said extension having a portion integral therewith that extends upwardly from the forward side of said extension to engage the interior wall of the inner flange of said horizontal ring. 